NFL-bound former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia pays his former Queensland Reds teammates a visit

A favourite son was a surprise visitor at Queensland training on Friday to further boost spirits ahead of a massive milestone match.

Former Reds and Wallabies star Jordan Petaia was a surprise visitor at Queensland training on Friday to further boost spirits ahead of captain Tate McDermott’s 100th appearance for the team on Saturday night against the ACT Brumbies.

Petaia left the Reds at the end of last year to join the NFL’s International Pathway Program, where he succeeded in securing a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Back home before embarking on his stint with the Chargers, Petaia’s presence at Queensland training was well received by the Reds.

“I’m so pleased for him,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“It takes a lot of courage to make decisions like that and to go out and back yourself. He managed to do it, and we’re extremely happy.

“He’ll be around this weekend. That’ll be a nice little lift for the boys. We wish him the best.

“He’s a true team man, and he’ll take qualities that they’ll appreciate for sure.”

New Los Angeles Chargers signing Jordan Petaia is back In Brisbane to support the Queensland Reds. Picture: Instagram @jordanpetaia

The Reds also have plans to deliver another “team man”, McDermott, a win in his milestone appearance on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland vice-captain Fraser McReight said McDermott showed his leadership “through his actions”.

“He’s tough, we know how good he is with the ball in hand … he’s a leader, he really rips in,” McReight said of his skipper.

“Eight seasons, 100 games for Queensland – it’s tough in itself to get to 50, so it shows the calibre of player he is and how tough he is to get through.

“I’m really excited for him and his family to be able to reach that milestone at Suncorp Stadium, which is awesome.

“I’m super excited to run out behind him on Saturday night.”

Tate McDermott will make his 100th appearance for the Queensland Reds on Saturday night. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

The Reds will also celebrate forwards Zane Nonggorr and Matt Faessler both making their 50th appearance for Queensland.

“It’s awesome for Zane to get here and watch his journey evolve over the past few years, especially in the Wallabies camp,” McReight said.

“Matt came here … and he’s shot the lights out these past few years and really showed why he’s the premier hooker in Australia.

“I hold them both very dearly close to my heart, and I’m really excited for them.”

The Reds are hoping to bounce back from their 27-15 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Chiefs last Friday in Waikato.

“We’re expecting a tight match with the Brumbies. They’re a quality side with great players We’re building and they’re building,” McReight said.

“For us, it’s about getting back to what we do really well and enjoying the occasion.”